A diesel may have more torque at the flywheel, but because they don't turn at as high speeds they require higher gearing, which means the torque at the wheels isn't as much higher as the raw figures suggest.

Add in the extra weight of the diesel engine, the extra inertia of the heavier internals of the diesel engine, and the narrower power band which may mean an extra gear change is necessary, and petrol will often win out at 0-62.

However a modern electric car can be quicker still 0-62, due to instant torque from zero revs, and no need to change gear.

petrol has more horsepower because it can work at 20k rpm. F1 racers only use petrol because of this.

diesel is better for heavy loads because it has a much higher amount of torque but requires more complex transmission (it only works to about 6k rpm)